Tax Hike Would Allow Ferndale Library to Extend Hours

FERNDALE, MI – Voters in Ferndale will be asked in the Aug. 2 primary election to renew and increase a millage to support library operations, from the current 2-mill level to 3.5 mills.

The millage hike is needed to reduce deficits accumulated due to falling tax revenues during the long recession that began in 2008, The Daily Tribune reported.

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Property values have bounced back, but the growth in the tax base won’t be seen for many years because of state tax laws that tie increases in annual taxes to the rate of inflation or 5 percent, whichever is lower, library director Jessica Keyser said.

The proposed increases would cost the owner of a home with a market value of $120,000 an additional $97 a year, according to the report. Library taxes on that house are currently about $113 a year.

» For more on this story, go to The Daily Tribune.

Image Credit: Ferndale Area District Library Facebook page